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Artwork for Hell in Heaven: A Mysterious Death in Paradise

Hell in Heaven: A Mysterious Death in Paradise

Exactly Right and iHeartPodcasts
John Bender
Costa Rica
Ann Bender
Murder Trial
Bipolar Disorder
Dr. Lizano
Folly A Deux
Wall Street
Bender Mansion
Options Trading
Murder Trials
True Crime
Drug Cartels
Wildlife Refuge
Gambling
Orchid Conservation
Nature Reserve
Investigative Journalism
Mental Health
Natural Remedies

A young Wall Street genius lands in the Costa Rican jungle with a vast fortune and visions of paradise - but ends up in hell. He and his wife build a spectacular circular mansion deep in the rainforest - a sanctuary for themselves and for endangered wildlife. But sinister forces soon have the couple fearing for their lives. As paranoia takes root and shadows close in, the troubled pair steadily lo... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes19Founded2 years ago
Category
True Crime

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Artwork for Hell in Heaven: A Mysterious Death in Paradise

Latest Episodes

For decades, João Teixeira de Faria — known as John of God — was revered as a spiritual healer who claimed to perform miraculous surgeries without anesthesia. Desperate people from around the world traveled to Brazil, believing he could cure what doc... more

Ann contemplates leaving Costa Rica forever. A drug bust and a prison visit lead to speculation about the Benders’ former head of security and his role in events. Everyone drawn into the couple’s orbit reflects on this shocking story. The final chapt... more

The second trial concludes with a verdict that stuns Costa Rica. Ann Bender adjusts to a completely new way of life as a terrible tragedy shatters her world further. Meanwhile, public opinion dramatically shifts. A second trial is granted, the defenc... more

John Bender’s death soon becomes a cause celebre. But the woman at the centre of police suspicion is now the hospital. Ann’s psychiatrist is shocked at her physical and mental state. As the full story of the Benders’ isolation unfolds, prosecutors ma... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host

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Recent Guests

Carol Vaughan
An investigative reporter who covered Ann Bender's trial.
Tico Times
Episode: 7: A Second Chance
Greg Fisher
Ann's boyfriend who fought for her release.
Episode: 7: A Second Chance
Ken Bender
Ann's brother, who spoke to reporters regarding the trial.
Episode: 7: A Second Chance
Carole Vaughan
Author involved in discussing the case
Episode: 6: The Folly of Two
Dr. Lizano
Psychiatrist who treated Ann Bender
SEMA Hospital
Episode: 6: The Folly of Two
Ken Patton
Ann's brother, who provided insight into her background
Episode: 6: The Folly of Two

Host

Becky Milligan
Award-winning journalist with experience in narrative storytelling and investigative reporting, serving as the primary host.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 3.4k ratings
  • A good story but…

    I wasn’t bothered by the music, as others have commented. But, I noticed on a couple of occasions that the host had clearly dubbed in her reactions to an interviewees answers. I’m also convinced that one of the people they spoke to was voiced by AI. It just leaves me feeling a bit cheated to be honest. With all that said, I still enjoyed the story.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Jo D38
    United Kingdom6 days ago
  • Great podcast but way too much advertising

    The podcast is great and I will always listen to everything Becky Milligan does, but the advertising is ridiculous. Every few minutes you have to take a break for 3,5 minutes or more. That’s a big no for me.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Sun713
    Germany9 days ago
  • Could’ve been great

    The loud screech really ruins a great podcast, if everyone is in agreement why not change it?

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Stegosaur24
    United Kingdom20 days ago
  • Music = why?!?!?!?

    A dynamic retelling of an interesting case. The host is a little try-hard with the drama, but it is well written and engaging. One star is lost simply because the podcast music is screechingly jarring and really spoils it.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Baker David
    United Kingdom24 days ago
  • Great podcast, awful music!

    Please, please get rid of that awful music! As much as I wanted to finish the series, I couldn’t and found myself googling the story because the music is so painful!

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Redapple097
    Australiaa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Generally well received for its engaging storytelling and in-depth investigations that captivate the audience.
The host's approach has drawn mixed reviews—many appreciate her storytelling while others criticize elements of dramatization and perceived biases in narratives.
Some listeners express frustration regarding the music choices and advertising frequency, stating it can be distracting from the content.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#126
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#78
Canada/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#81
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#149
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#185
France/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#50
Netherlands/True Crime

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Gender SkewLocationInterests
ProfessionsAge RangeHousehold Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A gripping narrative unfolds surrounding the tumultuous life of John and Ann Bender, a wealthy couple who abandon their high-powered careers on Wall Street to start anew in Costa Rica. Their dream evolves into a nightmare as they build a magnificent mansion surrounded by the rainforest, but they soon find themselves engulfed by paranoia and violent circumstances, culminating in John's mysterious death and subsequent murder trials. The series captures the stark contrasts of their extravagant lifestyle juxtaposed with their descent into chaos, exposing layers of emotional turmoil, legal battles, and community intrigue that question the nature of truth and justice amidst unrelenting fears of betrayal and isolation from their neighbors.

This ... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder
2. The Peacemaker
3. BETH'S DEAD
4. Wisecrack
5. The Binge Cases: Watching You

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 19 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Carol Vaughan
2. Greg Fisher
3. Ken Bender
4. Carole Vaughan
5. Dr. Lizano
6. Ken Patton

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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